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CENTRAL — Southern Wesleyan University moved 260 incoming freshman into its residence halls last Friday, a record size class that left check-in lines stretched halfway across the lawn for the admissions office.

Parents and students struggled to carry furniture and electronics up flights of winding stairs in the upper 80 degree heat.

Amanda Young, director of Admissions for the past seven years, seemed excited about the arrival of students.

“We have people coming in not only from all over the country, but all over the world,” Young stated. “They’re coming from Indiana, Michigan, Delaware, California, and then you’ve got Germany and the Netherlands. We’ve also got a lot of students coming in from right here in the southeastern part of the country.”

Joe Brockinton, vice president for Student Life, said 400 students are currently slated to be living on campus this year — 70 more than the previous record of 330. Returning students check in later this week.

Incoming freshman Christian Haller had his mother and stepfather to help move his things into his new dorm room in Child’s Hall. Haller is a graduate of South Davidson High School in Denton, N.C., and is planning on majoring in forensic sciences.

“I’m excited, scared, nervous — all those things,” Haller said while unpacking boxes. “I come from a really small town, so I’m looking forward to checking out the area.”

Alec Yurchenko, who graduated from Burns High School in Duncan, is Haller’s new roommate.

“I was glad to finally meet him. Before today I didn’t even know how to pronounce his last name,” Haller said and laughed.

Dr. Todd Voss, president of the university, was eating lunch with the incoming freshman — something Young said he does almost every day. Shaking hands and meeting parents, Voss was enthusiastic about the beginning of the fall semester.

“It’s going to be a great year,” Voss said. “Everybody’s getting all settled in and we’re looking forward to getting started.”

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